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Original poster

Unreasonable School Mum Demanding Refund Y6 Leavers

67 replies

Noodlenoo69 · 21/07/2020 22:15

A Y6 leavers do was planned in October 2019 and due to take place in July 2020 all payments were made by December 2019. Due to Covid-19 the event was cancelled and rearranged with majority of parents agreeing the new date November 2020. Two parents were unhappy after falls out in school between December-March decided didn’t want their kids to attend and left the social media group arranging the event and blocked other parents. They are now seeking a full refund using COVID as an excuse. This has lead to threatening behaviour and the threat of legal action against the parents who have collected the money. The event has not been cancelled just rearranged and would cost all other parents more once split or those that have arranged. Anyone any thoughts on whether there would be a case? All payments were made in good faith and no paperwork signed?

OP posts:
Pipandmum · 21/07/2020 22:18

How much was the event? Surely their share is hardly worth legal action? I'd just refund their money and ask more from attendees - surely we are talking just a couple pounds per child?

BluebellsGreenbells · 21/07/2020 22:20

Just give them the money back and move on.

cabbageking · 21/07/2020 22:20

If the majority agreed then some did not?

Refund the money.

Original poster
Noodlenoo69 · 21/07/2020 22:23

It was £30 each ... I know what your saying just seems unfair everyone has to pay more money for an event because they gave changed their minds and their behaviour has been completely unreasonable. I know it’s probably seems petty think it’s the principle of the matter for all parents involved

OP posts:
titchy · 21/07/2020 22:25

Refund them. They paid for a July event that was cancelled. The offer of a different date was rightly made but not acceptable to them. They are perfectly within their rights to expect a refund.

Fanthorpe · 21/07/2020 22:27

I wonder how they think taking legal action works? Maybe through the small claims court? Is that running at the moment?

Their poor kids.

ChicCroissant · 21/07/2020 22:29

While it is a thankless task to organise this kind of event (most people want to go, but no-one wants to organise it) I would check with the other attendees what they want to do - because it doesn't sound as if you did tbh. I know it can be hard to get people to respond, but you need to give everyone a chance. I think you need to refund them, but if that is going to raise the cost to a level which would put the other attendees off, what happens if it is cancelled?

AdoreTheBeach · 21/07/2020 22:30

Leave aside that they fell out with the school as that’s a separate matter.

Focus on the leavers do. It was July. It was out to a vote to move to November but it was not unanimous. For those who don’t want it moved to November should get their money back. They didn’t agree to November when they have their money.

For next year planners, pass on to them about a sign up document detailing event but subject to change for any unforeseen circumstances. All payments final, none refundable.

What would you do if the child left the school or were moving abroad after the school year? Would you refund?

cabbageking · 21/07/2020 22:32

You could refund everyone and start from scratch.

Original poster
Noodlenoo69 · 21/07/2020 22:35

Believe it or not 26 parents out of 28 don’t want to issue refund and everyone was consulted. There’s a lot more that’s gone on and I could write an essay! (due to their behaviour). I think if legal action is possible the organisers would refund but everyone wants to dig heels in with what’s gone on and everyone paid in good faith for kids benefits. They had already decided not to go to July event anyway so COVID has come at a convenient time.

OP posts:
Fanthorpe · 21/07/2020 22:35

Surely most people realise if their personal circumstances change it’s not reasonable to ask for a refund? The activity sounds like it was arranged on a cost divided by the number of people basis. You just accept that. Why should others pay more if you change your mind.

Besides as the OP says they don’t want to go because of a falling out, it’s their choice not to let their kids attend.

Erictheavocado · 21/07/2020 22:37

You said the majority of parents agreed the new date. How many, apart from these two, were not in favour of the new date and what happened to their money?

To be honest, given that you have changed the date, I think it is unreasonable to keep their money. I would be very annoyed if I had paid out for an event which was then postponed to a date that was unsuitable for me and the organiser kept my money.
If you hadn't changed the date, and they had just changed their mind, I would not expect a refund, but in the circumstances you describe I definitely would.

Original poster
Noodlenoo69 · 21/07/2020 22:37

Thats pretty much the feelings of all the other parents

OP posts:
Fanthorpe · 21/07/2020 22:39

No ones keeping their money though, it’s paid for the event, those who are going will have to cover the cost of the repayment.

saraclara · 21/07/2020 22:41

Of course they should be refunded. They paid for something happening in a certain date, and the rescheduled date doesn't work for them.

If you booked a holiday and the travel company changed your holiday to a date that you couldn't get time off for, you'd not expect them to keep your money.

titchy · 21/07/2020 22:42

You do realise you're arguing over an extra £2.14 per child? Seriously cough up. They could take the organiser to a small claims court. And would probably win.

Original poster
Noodlenoo69 · 21/07/2020 22:44

It’s not that they can’t make the rearranged date they weren’t attending anyway due to children/parent issues on July event

OP posts:
Wifeofbikerviking · 21/07/2020 22:44

Refund them. It would be unreasonable not to

Fanthorpe · 21/07/2020 22:46

In the holiday analogy you’re asking everyone on the plane to put their hand in their pocket and cover the cost of your holiday. The company aren’t refunding.

caringcarer · 21/07/2020 22:48

They agreed to July not November. Issue refund and move on. The more oxygen you give it the more you can the flames. Give the refund and shut it down. They are within their rights to ask for refund.

titchy · 21/07/2020 22:49

If it was all done properly the July even would have been cancelled and everyone refunded in full. The organiser then made a second arrangement and asks who can make the new date. 26 can so the total cost in split between this smaller amount.

You're allowing the fact that they're arseholes to cloud your judgement.

OhCaptain · 21/07/2020 22:52

You should refund them because it’s not what they paid for. Big difference between July when school’s just finished and November when everyone has moved on!

back2good · 21/07/2020 22:54

Refund them.

Ensure they don't come because they'll be miserable to have there.

Worth a couple of extra pounds each, no?

PlanDeRaccordement · 21/07/2020 22:54

I too think a refund is actually a reasonable request.

Greenfloors · 21/07/2020 22:54

YABU. refund them. They didn't agree to the new date.

Stop being silly and refund the money.